KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami’s (JI) Pakistan Central Chief, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has warned that if Israel succeeds in its aggression against Iran, Pakistan could be the next target.
Addressing a press conference at Idara Noor-e-Haq on Monday, the JI chief said the entire Pakistani nation stands with Iran and believes the war must end. He urged China and Russia to play their role in resolving the conflict.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman paid rich tribute to late Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, the architect of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, for making the country a nuclear power. He also criticised former President General Pervez Musharraf for humiliating the national hero.
Taking a strong stance on foreign policy, he demanded that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif apologise to the nation for nominating Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, saying Pakistan should stay out of Trump’s so-called “peace board.” He alleged that the US is once again behaving like a terrorist state, with powerful weapons manufacturing companies and Zionist lobbyists influencing American decision-making. He claimed that while Trump once said “America First,” the current reality is “Israel First.”
The JI chief warned against anyone trying to create Shia-Sunni division or speaking against Iran, stating such individuals are effectively acting as agents of the United States and Israel.
The JI chief alleged the existence of an alliance between the US, Israel, and India, calling it a “malicious triad” responsible for disturbing global peace. He also criticised the United Nations for failing to play its role due to the influence of major powers, especially the United States.
Discussing the economic situation, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman questioned the recent increase in petrol prices when Pakistan had 28 days of petrol stock available. He criticised the Rs20 increase in petroleum levy, saying the government continues to impose direct taxes on the public instead of addressing inefficiency at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
He pointed out that over 25 million motorcycles operate across Pakistan, mostly used by students, workers, and middle-class families. A motorcycle rider earning Rs 40,000–50,000 per month pays approximately Rs360 daily in taxes through petrol prices. With average consumption of one litre daily, the government collects Rs2.5–3 billion daily from motorcyclists alone, amounting to about Rs600 billion annually.
In contrast, he noted that large landowners across the country collectively pay only Rs10–12 billion in taxes. He questioned why 25,000–30,000 FBR employees fail to meet tax targets, alleging that Rs1.3 trillion corruptions occur annually within the department itself.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman alleged that the Independent Power Producers (IPP) mafia has already consumed around Rs 2 trillion, demanding the government defer payments to them during the current crisis.
The JI chief demanded that no government officer, MPA, MNA, minister, or adviser should be allowed to use vehicles with engines larger than 1300cc, and that free fuel policy for official vehicles should be abolished. He directed JI’s own local representatives that if any town chairman or vice chairman is using a government vehicle above 1300cc, it should be replaced immediately.
He also questioned why Maryam Nawaz’s aircraft, reportedly worth Rs11 billion, has not been sold to provide relief to the people of Punjab, while praising the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for deciding to provide Rs2,200 monthly relief to youth.
Commenting on Karachi’s infrastructure, he criticised the city’s mayor, saying Rs 4 billion were spent over three years on the Karimabad underpass, yet only two narrow lanes were constructed. He also highlighted rising street crime and frequent accidents caused by heavy traffic.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026